Amgen, Tetragenetics in Antibody Research Pact

Tetragenetics Inc. has entered into a technology access and exclusive research license agreement with Amgen for an undisclosed surface antigen. Tetragenetics’ technology enables high-density heterologous expression of recombinant human membrane proteins on the cell surface of Tetrahymena thermophila. Immunogen preparations of the drug targets can be made in several formats and are designed to enhance antibody production against the extracellular portions of the target.
 
Dr. Ted Clark, founder and chief scientific officer of Tetragenetics, said, “Tetragenetics has created a unique capability for making antigens which enable the discovery and production of novel antibodies that target validated but previously difficult to produce membrane protein drug targets. Our agreement with Amgen marks the second major partnership for Tetragenetics and the first for this specific family of targets.”
 
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.